This vulnerability allows a Creator-level user in Budibase, a low code platform for building internal tools, to manipulate API requests. Specifically, users can invite new users with any role, including Admin, Creator, or App Viewer, and assign them to any group in the organization. This capability effectively bypasses the user interface restrictions and results in full privilege escalation. Organizations are at risk of unauthorized access and potential takeover of their Budibase workspaces. As of the publication date of this advisory, no fixes are available for this vulnerability.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.7, classified as medium severity. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, requiring only low privileges for exploitation. The potential impact includes high integrity loss, which raises significant concerns for organizations utilizing this platform.
Given the urgency of this issue, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. It's essential to assess the current usage of Budibase and implement appropriate security measures to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability.
As this vulnerability has not yet been actively exploited, defenders have a window of opportunity to address it before potential attacks arise. Continuous monitoring and proactive security practices should be adopted to safeguard against such risks.
In summary, organizations leveraging Budibase must be aware of CVE-2026-25040 and take appropriate remedial actions to ensure the security of their internal tools and workflows.
Vulnerability Details
Budibase, a platform designed for the rapid development of internal tools, is affected by a vulnerability that can be exploited by a user with Creator-level permissions. In versions up to and including 3.26.3, these users can manipulate API requests to invite new users without the usual UI restrictions. This creates a pathway for privilege escalation, which can lead to a complete takeover of the workspace.
The official CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.7, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that it can be exploited remotely. The attack complexity is low, with minimal privileges required for the attacker, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from organizations utilizing Budibase.
The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-863, which denotes an issue related to 'Authorization through a static value.' This classification highlights the fundamental flaw in the permission model that can be exploited.
This vulnerability was published on January 29, 2026, and as of the current date, there are no known fixed versions available for Budibase.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-25040 stems from improper authorization checks within the Budibase API. A Creator-level user, who typically lacks the permissions to invite users through the UI, can utilize API manipulation techniques to gain elevated privileges. This scenario indicates a fundamental flaw in the API's access control mechanisms.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, enabling remote exploitation. The complexity of this attack is low, as it requires only basic privileges that a Creator-level user already possesses. There is no user interaction required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant. It can lead to high integrity loss, allowing unauthorized users to gain control over sensitive organizational resources. Consequently, organizations may face potential data breaches and operational disruptions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized users to be granted elevated roles, leading to a complete takeover of the Budibase workspace. The implications of this vulnerability extend to data integrity, as malicious actors could manipulate or access critical information without authorization.
Organizations should assess their deployment of Budibase, especially those versions up to and including 3.26.3. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its potential impact on organizational integrity and operational continuity.
Given the current CVSS score of 5.7, organizations must prioritize remediation within their security protocols. The blast radius of this vulnerability extends beyond individual accounts, potentially affecting entire teams or departments relying on Budibase for critical operations.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Budibase versions up to and including 3.26.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are not using these versions to maintain security.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. As of now, no fixed versions are available, so it is crucial to monitor the Vendor Advisory for updates on patches. In the interim, organizations can implement access control measures to limit the ability of Creator-level users to manipulate API requests.
Configuration hardening can also help mitigate this vulnerability. Organizations should review their API permissions and ensure that only authorized users can perform sensitive actions.
For additional guidance on securing your applications, organizations may consider engaging in application security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for unusual API request patterns, particularly those involving user invitations and role assignments. Behavioral anomalies that deviate from normal operational patterns should be flagged for further investigation.
Network signatures should be established to detect unauthorized API access attempts, and systems should be reviewed regularly for unauthorized changes or user additions.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability reflects a concerning trend in low-code platforms, where improper API access controls can lead to significant security risks. As organizations increasingly adopt low-code solutions, the need for robust security measures becomes paramount.
Security teams should take this incident as a lesson on the importance of validating permissions and implementing strict controls over user roles and API access. Continuous security testing methodologies, such as penetration testing should be integrated into the development lifecycle to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities.
To maintain a secure environment, organizations must stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities and ensure that they have the necessary remediation strategies in place.
For further reading on securing your applications, organizations may refer to resources about penetration testing methodologies and best practices.
Organizations should also consider reviewing their security frameworks and updating their incident response plans to account for vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-25040.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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